Body art is a form of artistic expression that involves modifying the appearance of the human body through various techniques, such as tattoos, microblading, piercings, permanent make-up, body painting, and scarification.
Public Act 375, which was enacted in December of 2010, requires any individual who plans to tattoo, brand, microblade or perform body piercing, do so out of a licensed facility. Owners or operators are required to apply for a body art facility license through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
PA 375 establishes statewide requirements for body art facilities aimed at decreasing the risk of spreading blood-borne pathogens, including hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Prior to opening a new or remodeled facility, R 333.13119 plans are required to be submitted to the local health department for review and approval. The department has created a plan review application that walks the operator through all items required for a licensed body art facility. Some additional requirements are listed below:
- Facility equipment and construction standards (R 333.13119)
- Operational standards (R 333.13113)
- Annual inspection requirement (R 333.13106)
- Must register as medical waste producing facility (R 333.13118)